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The pair were seen leaving Piccolino restaurant in Hale on Sunday afternoon before jumping into Fred’s black Range Rover.

Gilberto, an integral part of Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ side from the 2003/04 season, is said to have been instrumental in his compatriot’s move to United.

Fred was reportedly attracting attention from Manchester City last summer but opted to join Mourinho’s side instead, although the move is yet to prove a success.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder has made just 11 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions, starting on eight occasions but featuring from the off just three times in United’s last 15 matches.

Manchester United midfielder Fred has been spotted out for lunch with Gilberto Silva (Image: EAMONN AND JAMES CLARKE)

Fred has lost his place in the Red Devils team in recent weeks (Image: EAMONN AND JAMES CLARKE)

The 25-year-old came on as a substitute against Fulham before having lunch with Gilberto a day later (Image: EAMONN AND JAMES CLARKE)

“When the team is defensively stronger and doesn't need in midfield people that are more worried in giving some balance to the team than being involved in creation and attacking dynamic, the day we are stronger defensively I think the horizons for Fred change completely,” said Mourinho.

“Step by step. You have also other players in other clubs that needed their time, and you have some of them that played even less than what Fred is playing.”

Meanwhile, Gilberto has given his backing to the out-of-favour ace, saying: “I am confident he will do well at United.

The Arsenal legend is a close friend and advisor of Fred (Image: EAMONN AND JAMES CLARKE)

The £52million signing has started just three of United's last 15 matches (Image: GETTY)

“He is a strong character and he has shown that in the past.

“There is a huge difference between life in Brazil and in the Ukraine but Fred adapted well.

“He will also adapt at Old Trafford in time.”

United’s next match is a Champions League dead rubber against Valencia before a huge Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield this weekend.